Brinkman Travel's Kilimanjaro



	Home About Us News Holland BT Tours Pilgrimages Cruises Solo Travel Business Travel Travel Links Contact Us	Climb to Great Heights with Trip Host Dr. Terry Boak, PhD Provost of Brock University, St. Catharines February 14 – 26, 2009 MOUNT KILIMANJARO, MACHAME ROUTE, TANZANIA Price Per Person Based on Shared Accommodation: Land only (February 15-25, 2009): US$ 3530 Round trip air from Toronto and transfers (February 14/15 and 25/26): CA$ 2465, including taxes, based on availability at time of ticketing Single supplement: (single accommodation only in the Springlands Hotel and Lake Manyara Lodge): US $ 250 Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and the Community of Niagara & Beyond are invited to join Dr.Terry Boak on this adventure, seeking enrichment of body and mind! Early registration is recommended, as group participation is limited to twenty people and because of the nature of the tour where preparation is most important and enjoyable Day 1, Saturday February 14, 2009 Toronto – Amsterdam This evening you depart on your KLM flight for Amsterdam. Overnight: en route. Day 2, Sunday February 15 Arrival in Tanzania Early arrival in Amsterdam gives you time to connect with your daylight flight to Kilimanjaro. This evening you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport. After clearing immigratuion and customs, make your way to the arrival hall where you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Springlands Hotel or similar Springlands Hotel Day 3, Monday February 16 Depart for Lake Manyara National Park After breakfast, you are met at the hotel for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park, about 126 km from Arusha. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a game drive in the park. Overnight: Serena Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa". The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. From the entrance gate, the road winds through an expanse of lush jungle-like groundwater forest where hundred-strong baboon troops lounge nonchalantly along the roadside, blue monkeys scamper nimbly between the ancient mahogany trees, dainty bushbuck tread warily through the shadows, and outsized forest hornbills honk cacophonously in the high canopy. Contrasting with the intimacy of the forest is the grassy floodplain and its expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on these grassy plains, as do giraffes - some so dark in coloration that make them appear to be black from a distance. Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is the favoured haunt of Manyara's legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Squadrons of banded mongoose dart between the acacias, while the diminutive Kirk's dik-dik forages in their shade. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania's birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks. Day 4, Tuesday February 17 Lake Manyara – Springlands Hotel This morning you have another game drive in the park. During your game drives you may get to see a variety of antelope, various bird species and a variety of mammals. After lunch at the lodge, drive back to the Springlands Hotel. Overnight: Springlands Hotel or similar (B,L,D) Day 5, Wednesday February 18 Start of the Kilimanjaro Climb at Machame Gate (1490 m) – Machame Camp (2980 m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: 18 kilometers Habitat: montane forest You drive from Moshi to the Machame Village, which is a 45-minutes drive. The guides and porters prepare and pack supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame Gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km hike will take about one hour. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. You will have a welcome lunch stop at about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Your porters will have arrived at the campsite before you and will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking water and the cook will prepare dinner. Night temperatures can drop to freezing point at this campsite. This is the most beautiful route for climbing Kilimanjaro. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares your meals. Where accommodation on the the alternative Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The Machame route is also referred to as the "Whiskey Route" and it is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor not seen on the Marangu route. There is an added benefit to this route, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain and that is acclimatization. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m) on the third day and brings you down by nearly 700 m for an overnight at Baranco Camp hence making you more familiar to the altitude and climate. Day 6, Thursday February 19 Machame Camp (2980 m) – Shira Camp (3840 m) Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: 9 km Habitat: moorland You rise early and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will be even colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing point. Day 7, Friday February 20 Shira (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4630 m) – Baranco Camp (3950 m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: 15 km Habitat: semi desert The route now turns eastward into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, which you reach after about a 5-hour hike. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630 m), definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start feeling symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco Camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The Camp is situated in a valley below the breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner. Day 8, Saturday February 21 Baranco Camp Spend an extra night at Baranco Camp to acclimatize with opportunities for exploring the area during the day. Day 9, Sunday February 22 Baranco Camp (3950 m) – Barafu Camp (4550 m) Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: 13 km Habitat: alpine desert After spending a second night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so you reach the Barafu Camp. The last water stop on the route is Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for "ice". Totally exposed to the ever present gales, tents are pitched on a narrow, stony and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345 m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include replacement of your batteries for your headlamp and camera. To prevent your water from freezing it would be wiser to carry it in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around 1900 h and try to get some precious sleep. Day 10, Monday February 23 Barafu Camp (4550 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m) Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka Distance: 7 km ascent, 23 km descent Habitat: stone scree and ice capped summit You will rise around 2330 h, and after some tea and biscuits you continue into the night. You will head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6 hours hike to Stella Point is for many climbers mentally and physically the most challenging hike. At Stella Point you will (5685 m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with a most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting) you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The hike back to Barafu from the summit takes 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest. and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka (3100 m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared and drinking water, soft drinks and chocolates and beer is available for sale from the camp office. Day 11, Tuesday February 24 Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1980 m) Hiking time: 3 hours Distance: 15 km Habitat: forest After an early and well-deserved breakfast it is a short 3-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is strongly recommended to pay your porters when you have reached the gate safely and not beforehand. At Mweka Gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who only reached Stella Point (5865 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895 m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served with a delicious hot lunch! You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and dinner. Overnight at Springlands Hotel including dinner. Day 12, Wednesday February 25 Departure from Tanzania Dayrooms have been arranged for your use at the Springlands Hotel. Today you may wish to visit a local church, an orphanage or the market to purchase some souvenirs. Then there is time for a last swim in the pool and a farewell dinner before transferring to the airport for your KLM flight to Amsterdam. Overnight: en route (B,D) Day 13, Thursday February 26 Amsterdam – Toronto Early arrival in Amsterdam gives you time to connect with your flight to Toronto with an expected 1600 hours same day arrival. The price includes: Roundtrip airfare Toronto – Kilimanjaro airport (other gateways on request) in economy class; upgrades to business class are upon request for a supplement Includes airport taxes, as per June 10, 2008: $ 116, taxes are subject to change and will be adjusted when necessary on the date of ticketing. All transportation in Tanzania, including arrival and departure transfers One night Safari at Lake Manyara on a full board basis with game drives Kilimanjaro Climb arrangements on a full board basis; other meals as indicated: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner Guides (about one for every three climbers), porters (one per climber), cooks Accommodation at the Springlands Hotel or similar including dinner on Day 4 and 11 Park and entrance fees Services from the Edutravel staff of Brock University Not included in the package: Optional sightseeing Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, room service, gratuities Any item not listed under "included" Visa fee to Tanzania (currently $ 85 including $10 postage and handling) Gratuities approximately US$10 for driver/guide on tour dates and US $10 per climber per day being divided amongst guides, porters and cooks Inoculations Travel insurance, highly recommended and available through Brinkman Travel Complimentary services: Two pre-trip information sessions Pre-climb training Important information: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. You need a visa to enter Tanzania. This must be obtained prior to arrival. Contact your local health clinic or doctor to determine if any inoculations are required. Anti-malaria protection is recommended. Contact your doctor or health clinic. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Opportunity for you: To Help the Children of Tanzania through a Trust Fund set up by Brinkman Travel Inc. Donations are accepted from travelers, friends, and suppliers. You can also bring along school supplies for students at the Nelson Mandela Primary School in Moshi. Optional extensions (see below for details): Longer safari Beach vacation in exotic Zanzibar Stopover in the Netherlands Terms and Conditions for Kili 2009 How to book Early reservations are recommended by completing the registration form and making a $500 down payment plus payment of the optional insurance premium. Payments can be made by cheque to Brinkman Travel Inc, cash or credit card. A second deposit of $2,500 is due by September 15, 2008 and final payment is due by November 27, 2008. Cancellation Fees Cancellations are subject to the following cancellation charges: a. For cancellation up to September 15, 2008 the deposit is forfeited b. For cancellations between September 15 and November 14, a penalty of $ 2500 applies c. For cancellations from November 15 onward 100 % of the tour costs will be charged. If you need to cancel, Brinkman Travel Inc will refund all money paid towards the tour less the applicable cancellation fee. These charges apply to the tour only, and do not include cancellation charges for any other arrangements. Price guarantee In order to guarantee this price, a minimum of 10 people is required. Health suggestions Please contact your doctor or local Public Health Department to determine the inoculations required for your visit to Tanzania and your Kili Climb. Insurance We strongly recommend you purchase insurance coverage through Brinkman Travel to protect you in the event of trip cancellation, protection to baggage, possessions and valuables and to cover against personal accident. Insurance premium is due at time of booking and is non-refundable. Passport and Visa Canadian and U.S. citizens must be in possession of a passport that must be valid for at least six months after your return date. You also need a visa to enter Tanzania. Brinkman Travel will assist you in obtaining your visa. Travel Documentation Your tour itinerary, accommodation list, vouchers and airline tickets, passenger list, suggested packing list and luggage tags will be handed out/mailed three weeks prior to departure. Airline Responsibility Clause The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not aboard their conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of the ticket. Responsibility Brinkman Travel Inc of St. Catharines, Ontario acts as an agent for the various companies, owners and contractors providing means of transportation, accommodation or other services. Brinkman Travel Inc assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any aircraft, vessel, carriage or other conveyance which is used wholly or in part, in the performance of this duty to the passengers. Neither will Brinkman Travel be responsible for any act, omission or error, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, or any neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets or coupons have been issued; neither can we be liable for errors or omissions resulting from acts of God, strikes, weather, quarantines, sickness, government regulations or any loss or expense resulting from the above contingencies. Expenses for said losses shall be borne by the tour members. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason to alter the itinerary or arrangements, Brinkman Travel retains the right to do so. Additional cost for such alterations shall be borne by the passengers. Notice to Travelers You should be aware that different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations might exist outside of Canada. For further information call the Edutravel department of Brock University at 905.688.5550 ext. 5188 or visit www.brocku.ca/edutravel To register contact Brinkman Travel at 905.988.9100 or fill out the registration form and send to Brinkman Travel All travel arrangements are made by Ineke Brinkman, CTM, Owner, Brinkman Travel Inc, 3 Mountainview Drive, St. Catharines, ON L2T 3H3, Tel 905 988 9100, Fax 905 988 9400 Email ineke@brinkmantravel.com, TICO registration no. 4396230 (Ineke reached the roof of Africa in February 2003.) OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS ZANZIBAR OPTION 25 February, 2009 Arusha – Zanzibar Enjoy breakfast with your group and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation at the Breezes Beach Club for three nights including breakfast and dinner. Overnight: Breezes Beach Club (B,D) 26 & 27 February Zanzibar Two full days to enjoy the facilities at this resort. You may also consider some optional tours to Stonetown or a visit to a spice farm. Overnight: Breezes Beach Club (B,D) 28 February Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam – Amsterdam Breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to the Zanzibar port where you board the ferry for Dar es Salaam. You are met and transferred to the Holiday Inn where dayrooms have been arranged for you. Dinner at the hotel. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to Amsterdam. Overnight: en route (B,D) March 1 Amsterdam – Toronto Early arrival gives you time to connect with your flight to Toronto. Price based on double occupancy: US$ 1195 per person in addition to full land price February 15-25 Zanzibar option includes: Flight to Zanzibar (with luggage restrictions) Zanzibar arrival and departure transfers 3 nights accommodation at the Breezes Beach Club Breakfast and dinner as indicated Ferry to Dar es Salaam Transfer to Holiday Inn in Dar es Salaam Dinner and transport to Dar es Salaam Airport Zanzibar options does not include: Meals not mentioned Optional sightseeing Tips/gratuities Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, rooms service, etc. Any item not listed under "included" SAFARI OPTION February 25 Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater Enjoy breakfast with your group and then depart for Ngorongoro Crater arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a game drive in the crater, home to over 25,000 animals. Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or similar (B,L,D) February 26 Ngorongoro – Serengeti A final morning game drive in the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming physical beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Depart and head for the Serengeti arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive in the vast open plains of the Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or similar (B,L,D) February 27 Serengeti Morning and afternoon game drives are the order of the day. You may get to see a variety of plains game, lion. leopard, cheetah, giraffe as well as a variety of bird species. Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or similar (B,L,D) February 28 Serengeti – Arusha – Amsterdam Depart from the Serengeti and return to Arusha where dayrooms have been arranged at the Mt. Village Lodge. After dinner transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Amsterdam. Overnight: en route (B) March 1 Amsterdam – Toronto Early arrival gives you time to connect with your flight to Toronto. Price based on double occupancy and 4 to 6 people sharing a Landrover, and flying back from the Serengeti to Arusha: US$ 2105 per person in addition to full land price February 15-25 Included in the land package: 3-night Safari on a full board basis in the Serena Lodge or similar Transportation in safari vehicles with window seating for all Game Drives per itinerary or determined by the lodges Dayroom in Arusha with dinner Park fees Not included in the land package: Meals not mentioned Optional sightseeing Tips/gratuities Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, rooms service, etc. Any item not listed under "included" Individuals not climbing but wishing to join for the safari and/or Zanzibar are asked to provide a preference of travel dates and we gladly customize your tour.
	Brinkman Travel Inc, 3 Mountainview Drive, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2T 3H3 Phone: 905.988.9100 Fax: 905.988.9400 Email: mail@brinkmantravel.com Website: brinkmantravel.com © 2008 Brinkman Travel Inc. All rights reserved.